weighing my options on life in Saudi as a Black American

There are lots of threads on the forum on advice for expat women within Saudi.   You can search those.

On an overall basis, to be blunt, being American is good as you get preferential treatment over literally every other nationality and in a few cases, even over locals.  Being black means that you will be mistaken for some other third world nationalities and might face racism - until they discover otherwise.

Pros would be money (you don't escape taxes courtesy of IRS so make sure that this is good) and exposure to a completely different culture / work style. Cons would be compromise on personal freedoms that you would take for granted in the US e.g. being tied to a sponsor here and needing their permission for literally everything, facing overt racism or patronizing behavior on account of being a woman or person of color, needing to conform with social norms at the expense of your individuality (wearing abaya, code of behavior being a woman, no alcohol, being careful on mixed gatherings etc) and so on.

Just giving a very short overview.  Suggest to do your research first and then ask specific questions.

thank you so much for the reply. I have seen there are many acts harsh acts of racism amongst Africans and Asian expats.
I was also told the money would be tax free?   
Will be going through the forums hoping to find the insight I need.

Money is tax free in Saudi but as an American citizen, you still have to pay taxes on income earned outside the US.  One of the rare countries in the world where this is the case. Everywhere else its based on tax residency.

Your salary is tax free, federal taxes,to a dollar point based on your residency in Saudi Arabia.  Not sure regarding State income tax, you’ll need to look into that.

There are lots of things as Americans we take for granted, but Expat work in Saudi isn’t bad.  Being an African American yes you might face things I haven’t, but nothing that you gave t seen, felt or heard living in the Carolinas.

Best of luck, groups like this help if or when you venture out to meet new people and new adventures for you if you join us in Saudi.

I've taken some jumps to different countries and have no regrets. It will certainly be an eye-opening experience.

Saudi offers a lot. What I love most: social diversity, safe environment, chilled & helpful nature of people around here, food diversity, cheap living (now changing fast), serenity of the desert and the chaos.

What I hate: driving (it's really really crazy), the dust & heat, nepotism, sponsorship, the lack of metal concerts and the chaos.

Note that people here tend to work long hours, more than in the US. I work at least 60 hours a week. Make sure your contract specifies everything so you don't face surprises later.

The healthcare industry does not offer long-term stability for foreigners. Since you're considering a 1-year contract only, that's fine.

I'm friends with a few black people from the US and other countries. I think there's less black racism here than in, say, Chicago. But there is plenty of Asian racism unfortunately. Most likely you, as an American, will not face any of that. As a woman, your movement might be a bit restricted, but I don't think it's a biggie.

Yeah, note the tax requirements. There are taxes you have to pay. Some people have chosen to drop their US citizenship due to these.

https://www.americansabroad.org/us-taxe … es-update/

Good luck

Hi Erin,

Welcome to the expat forum! I would love to share my experience with you this far. Please feel free to reach out to me by sending me a private message via my inbox and I will send you my email.

I am in Dhahran which is about 3 hours driving from Riyadh. I look forward to hearing from you !

Regards,
Tiffany

Hi Erin,

I recently relocated to the KSA in December 2018 for an indefinite assignment. Would love to share my experience with you!

You can connect with me on LinkedIn. Look for Tiffany Blair Smith.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Hello,

First of all welcome to our country I would like to assure you that Saudi people are very nice and kind to everyone and they don’t treat or judge people based on their colors ( all the same) our god created us to respect each other and live together on this earth equally.

Any help I will be here

Hello

Do your due diligence on every aspect of living in KSA.
You may wish to try John Hopskins Aramco Hospital in Dhahran
they have opening for RN and its a better environment.

Regards
Chukwuma

asmoosh wrote:

Hello,

First of all welcome to our country I would like to assure you that Saudi people are very nice and kind to everyone and they don’t treat or judge people based on their colors ( all the same) our god created us to respect each other and live together on this earth equally.

Any help I will be here

That is good of you.  Yes, a lot of Saudi people are nice, as are most people in the world.  However, what I disagree with is your comment on equal treatment.  Maybe you and people you know do that.  But, for the most part, the treatment here varies a LOT based on nationality and ethnic background.  You only have to look at how people from the sub-continent i.e. India/Pakistan and others are treated to get that idea.

Hi Erin,

I am going on my 3rd month here and thus far I have found it to be a very enjoyable experience. As with any country, you will have the good, the bad and the ugly. No country is perfect, yes that even includes the US.

I could not tell if this would be your first experience outside of the US as an expat. If it is, you will definitely note cultural differences.

I have made friends with a few Saudis since I have been here. Most of them I work with, and a few others I do not work with. The country is rich in its history and culture. Yes, it can be challenging being a woman here whether you are white, black, or other. This is simply because of the history of the country and their beliefs. The good news is it's changing!!! For example, woman is able to drive (this you want to avoid, if possible - driving habits are very different than the US). I suggest Uber or a Taxi.

Words of wisdom to you:
1. Pray about it.
2.  Do your due diligence - research
3. Some questions you will want to ask yourself:
    Do I like extreme heat?
   Am I okay with dust and sand storms - as a nurse, you know this can affect your respiratory system?
   What is it I want to gain from this experience?
   Am I okay with being uncomfortable (meaning, as Americans we take a lot of things for granted and many of the things you might be very used to having you will not have here? For example, a very fast consistent internet.
Am I ok with being by myself during the ramp-up time until I make friends?
4. Definitely look into getting a tax accountant that does international taxes. Trust me the US (IRS) will get theirs.
5. Find out what is the amount of money your bank will charge when your paycheck is deposited.
6. Bring ALL your hair care products from the US. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY HERE and if you have to buy them, they are VERY expensive. FInding qualified people to do our hair, you may have to go to Bahrain.
7. Ask your company if they keep your PassPort - You do not want this.
8. Make sure you get everything in writing in your contract and have an attorney look at it. Much of the information he will not be able to confirm because it will be by Saudi Laws.
9. How open are you to diversity? Are you okay not to see other black people? Explanation of this statement .....I am a Black American, but I do not see a lot of Black American women here. Actually, I have only met one other besides myself. However, this is not my focus- being from Chicago and residing in ATL, there are a lot of us
10. Get clarification regarding your housing and even transportation.
11. I have found the food to be more expensive here, but that is because I was buying organic and American. I notice if I buy regular brands it is okay.
12. You will need to look into getting a SIM card for your cell phone here, or maybe looking into a Google FIber phone.
12. Bring converters for the outlets. they use 220 in the US it is 110
13. Brush up on your metric system and USD dollar to SARS, right now it is 3.75 to $1.00

These are just a few things that will help you. SO much more!!! One year of your life to experience another culture and learn about a country and their people and meet people from all around the globe worth it!

Remember you can always go back home .

I wish you all the best and I am sure you will make the best decision for yourself!

Hi Erin

Currently I live and work in Saudi Arabia...have also worked at King Faisal. Am black and believe I can assist you a great deal eith your enquiries.

I've also worked with social meet and greet for new employees at King Faisal so would be happy to assist.

Private message me and would help answer answer all your concerns.

Best of luck.

Leen58

Well.life.here in riyadh.is.good coz u can save more than.being.in an open.country and spend a lot of money

Hi, Erin.

King Faisal Hospital is one of the best clinics in Riyadh, with very good working conditions, so if you have an offer from there - you will not regret. As far as I know, they provide good accomodation to their staff, and they will not ask you to work 7 days a week (which happens a lot in small clinics here).

Don't listen to the people that say climate here is terrible. In fact, in Riyadh is really hot only since may till september, but as the air is very dry - +45 C here is like +30 in Italy. If you don't plan to spend a lot of time at the open air - you will not even notice the heat.

Discrimination here is not by skin color, it is mostly by your passport. An Asian from Philippines may feel negative attitude, while an Asian from China or Japan - never. Moreover, an Indian with Indian passport will be respected by locals much lower than the same Indian guy, but with British or Canadian passport. But as American, you should not care about it.

But you should be ready to a bit boring life here. Even though Riyadh is a huge city, there are not many activities that are interesting for westerners. If you plan to come here without a family for a year - it should not be a problem. But if you wish to stay here for several years - this might be an issue.